This month SCETV presents 180 Days: Hartsville, a two-hour film that will be seen on PBS on March 17 at 8 p.m. The program follows two elementary schools in Hartsville, S.C., with a powerful and sensitive look at what it takes to transform education. Hartsville, “An All-American City,” is not unlike many other rural areas in this country—beautiful countryside, engaged community, but a large percentage of children in poverty. The film captures the unflinching determination and caring by teachers and principals, backed by a committed business community that sets a high bar for excellence. It is a district that is succeeding in raising the quality of education with a goal of reaching all children. The film will be shown as part of CPB’s “American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen” initiative. Screenings and outreach associated with the film are planned for communities across the nation. 180 Days: Hartsville is co-produced by the National Black Programming Consortium and SCETV. The talented executive producers are both Peabody Award winners—Jacquie Jones, who produced 180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School, and SCETV’s own Amy Shumaker who won a Peabody for her work with A Chef’s Life.

The national production is followed by an in-studio wrap up, After 180 Days: Hartsville, which airs locally on ETV. This special looks at recent developments and statewide public policy, asking the question: Can what business and the community foster in Hartsville be replicated effectively in other districts? Panelists include Harris E. DeLoach Jr., Executive Chairman of Sunoco, S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, Dr. Roy Jones, Executive Director of Call Me MISTER Program at Clemson, and several participants from the film. Both programs will repeat on March 19, beginning at 7 p.m.

SCETV’s March Festival is packed with interesting new offerings, including Aging Backwards with Miranda Esmonde-White, the gospel spectacular Rock My Soul, and the angelic voices of the boy choir Libera.

You’ve no doubt heard some new voices on ETV Radio—every Friday, Russ McKinney provides a weekly recap of events in the South Carolina General Assembly on State House Week. Tut Underwood gives local voice to ETV’s broadcast of Morning Edition, and Kate McKinney hosts, a weekday series of a variety of classical works. We’re excited about bringing more people, places and stories of statewide interest to our listeners.